Module 8: Open Feedlot Construction and Management for Water and Air Quality Protection

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Module 8 Open Feedlot Construction and
Management for Water and Air Quality Protection
By Jeff Lorimor
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Introduction
Open feedlots are defined as confined areas that
are devoid of vegetation or crop residue where
animals are held for 45 days per year.
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CAFO Definition

• Federal regulations define a Concentrated Animal
  Feeding Operation (CAFO) as a feedlot with
  capacity equal or exceeding
• 1,000 beef animals.
• 700 dairy cows.
• 2,500 swine over 55 pounds.
• Other species of EPA-defined sizes.

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NPDES Permit

• CAFOS must obtain National Pollutant Discharge
  Elimination System (NPDES) permits. The permits
• Require capturing feedlot runoff.
• Require pumping captured liquids onto crops.
• Prohibit releasing runoff except in very large
  storms (25-yr, 24-hr storm).

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Other CAFO Requirements

• Weekly inspection of storm water control devices
• Must have depth markers in containments
• Record-keeping requirements

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Nearby Water

• Feedlots should not have streams running through
  them.
• Feedlots should not drain directly into streams,
  ditches, tile intakes, or other waterways leading
  directly to waters of the state.

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Runoff Control and Management

• Complete containment
• Contain all runoff in a basin below the lot.
• To prevent overflow, land apply (irrigate) the
  liquids.
• Discharge systems
• Useful for lots smaller than CAFOs
• Release after settling solids in a manner that
  prevents water pollution.

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Diversions

• Runoff control should start by diverting clean
  water away from the lot surface.

Downspouts
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Settling Solids

• All feedlots should have solids settling basins
  (debris basins) to capture solids from the
  feedlot runoff.

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Settling Solids (continued)

• Solids settling basins do not store liquids
  permanently.
• Liquid velocity is slowed, but the liquid is
  released.
• State regulations may determine basin design.
• Porous outlets should be unplugged frequently to
  enhance liquid release.
• Solids should be removed frequently.

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Nutrients are in Solids

• Most of the nutrients (gt 90) from open feedlots
  are found in the solids, not in runoff liquids.

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Containment Structures

• Must have capacity to store runoff from the
  25-yr, 24-hr storm
• If inadequate capacity exists, pump out the
  containment.
• Maintain the structure in good condition.
• Control erosion.
• Eliminate rodents.
• Keep mowed.
• Maintain depth indicator gauge.
• Keep accurate records.

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Air Quality

• In Western states, dust and odor are bigger
  concerns than water quality. They are affected by
  the moisture content of the feedlot surface.
• Too drydust results
• Too wetodor results
• In more humid regions, surface runoff is the
  primary concern.

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Between 2540 Moisture is Optimum in a Feedlot
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Corral Construction

• If possible, build on 3-5 slopes.
• Avoid pen-to-pen drainage.
• Build mounds up and down the slope, not across
  the slope.
• Build mounds so cattle have access to them
  without going through a pothole.
• Provide convenient access for manure removal.

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Properly Constructed Mounds Stay Dry
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Open Lot Maintenance

• Proper maintenance is the most important factor
  in avoiding air and water quality problems with
  open lots.
• Pull blades are better than push blades for
  maintenance.

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Make Mounds of Good SoilNot Manure
Mounds should run up and down, rather than
across, the slope.
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Open Lot Dust is a Function of

• Loose manure depth on the corral surface.
• The moisture content of the loose manure.
• Hoof action arising from cattle activity.

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Corral Maintenance

• Keep the surface as hard, smooth, and dry as
  possible.

• Minimize hoof prints that can hold water.
• Scrape manure to maintain a 1"-2 base of manure
  above the soil surface.
• Frequently inspect and fill holes and depressions.

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Dust Emissions
Loose manure depth is a function of

• Stocking density (animals per unit area).
• Animal bodyweight.
• Number of days on feed.
• Corral surface condition (e.g., wallows, dust
  pots).
• Manure harvesting frequency.

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Loose Manure Depth
Deep and soft
Thin and well compacted
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Manure Moisture Content
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Moisture from Heat Control

• Sprinkling lots during hot weather can create wet
  conditions in humid areas.
• Sprinkle only intermittently.
• Locate sprinklers in areas that will not create
  potholes.
• Sprinklers should provide 0.25/day or more.
• Patterns should overlap 50 of the diameter.
• Do not sprinkle the feed apron.

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Stocking Density

• Increased stocking density adds more moisture to
  the lot surface from cattle urination.
• Texas research showed reduced Pm-10 emission at
  75 sq ft/head vs. 150 sq ft/head.
• Other factors such as cattle performance are
  important in determining maximum density.

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Manure Moisture Content
Water Trough
Low activity Low moisture
High activity High moisture
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Dust Control

• Applying water to the feedyard surface, passively
  or actively, helps but is not a cure-all.
• Frequent manure harvesting (gt 1 per turn)
  decreases water requirements and increases water
  effectiveness.
• Use the off-season to get ready.
• Prioritize within the yard and the corral.

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Mortality Management for Odor Control

• Limit exposure to the elements use rapid
  rendering service pickup.
• Compost.
• Perforate or cleave thoracic cavity and cover
  carcass with 1'-2' of dry, organic material.
• Burial is no longer acceptable in many states.

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Summary

• Preventing water and air pollution from open
  feedlots starts with good lot design.
• Management and maintenance are the keys to
  ongoing pollution prevention.
• Maintain smooth dry lots.
• Adjust moisture and scrape carefully to minimize
  particulate and gas emissions.